ISRAEL-HAMAS CEASEFIRE BEGINS, TRUMP THREATENS INDIA, INDIA RESPONDS FIRMLY

Primarily, the plan outlines a complete withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza in the second phase.

- ANSHU JOSHI

The first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commences; Trump again issues threats towards India, to which India responds aptly

This week, the momentum in global affairs continued as, on one hand, the initial phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas commenced with the exchange of prisoners, while on the other hand, Trump persisted in his assertions regarding the conclusion of several wars. Furthermore, he claimed this week that he had a conversation with the Indian Prime Minister, who assured him that India would cease purchasing oil and gas from Russia. However, the Indian government has refuted the existence of any such phone call between the two leaders.

It was a moment of relief to witness how, in the initial segment of a ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States alongside nations such as Egypt, Türkiye, and others, Hamas released all twenty living hostages that it had retained following its terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. Concurrently, Israel released nearly two thousand Palestinian prisoners, halted airstrikes, and commenced the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Nevertheless, several complex issues remain to be addressed.